Panaji: The Bombay high court at Goa has directed the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) and the secretary of the Candolim panchayat to file affidavits within three weeks in response to a PIL alleging illegal construction of a resort at Candolim in violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms and environmental laws.The PIL, filed by the Calangute Constituency Forum (CCF), contends that a large resort building nearing completion is “totally illegal” and that repeated complaints, representations and legal notices over the past two years failed to stop the construction.According to the petition, the town and country planning (TCP) department approved the project on Sep 26, 2023, without obtaining the mandatory no objection certificate from GCZMA, making the approval contrary to CRZ regulations.The petition further alleged that the Candolim panchayat issued a no objection certificate and construction licence to Sunpark Hotels and Resorts on Nov 1, 2023, without verifying compliance with CRZ requirements or obtaining the necessary statutory clearances.The petitioner also relied on a site inspection report dated Feb 13, 2025, which found the construction was nearing completion and continuing without permission. Despite this, no stop work order or show cause notice was issued, the PIL alleged.The petition seeks suspension or revocation of the approvals granted by the TCP department and the panchayat, action against the officials and project proponents responsible for the alleged violations, and restoration of the site to its original condition.
